Topeka council gives property maintenance authority to cite abandoned vehicles after debate

The Topeka governing body voted to amend municipal code sections governing abandoned-vehicle citations, expanding citation authority to property maintenance inspectors to improve enforcement consistency.

"Property maintenance is housed under the police department, which is why I am here," Topeka Police Commander Colleen Stewart said in presenting the ordinance. Stewart said property maintenance inspectors work consistent daily beats and could better manage follow-up checks required under the city’s vehicle-movement rules. She told the council that in the past year the police department received…